Methods and apparatus for replacing a toner cartridge shutter

Abstract

Techniques are provided for repairing or remanufacturing a toner cartridge which includes a drum shutter and a toner cartridge body. The drum shutter includes a flexible covering portion attached to both an arm element and the toner cartridge body. The flexible covering portion is removed from the arm element and the toner cartridge. A replacement flexible covering portion is secured to the arm element. The replacement flexible covering portion is attached to the toner cartridge body.

1. A method of repairing a toner cartridge comprising a drum shutter and a toner cartridge body, the drum shutter comprising a flexible covering portion attached to both an arm element and the toner cartridge body, the method comprising:
 providing a replacement flexible covering portion; 
 securing the replacement flexible covering portion to the arm element; and 
 attaching the replacement flexible covering portion to the toner cartridge body, 
 wherein the replacement flexible covering portion comprises a sheet, 
 wherein the replacement covering portion comprises a first adhesive element, said securing the replacement flexible covering portion to the arm element further comprising: 
 wrapping a portion of one end of the sheet around the arm portion; and 
 securing the wrapped portion utilizing the first adhesive element, 
 
       wherein the replacement covering portion comprises a second adhesive element, said attaching the replacement flexible covering portion to the toner body further comprising:
 securing the replacement flexible covering portion to the toner cartridge body utilizing the second adhesive element. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein first and second adhesive elements each comprise at least one adhesive strip. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2  wherein the sheet comprises a polyethylene material. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  further comprising, before securing the replacement flexible covering portion to the arm element:
 disengaging the arm element from engagement with the toner cartridge body. 
 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 4  further comprising, after securing the replacement flexible covering portion to the arm element:
 reengaging the arm element with the toner cartridge body. 
 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 removing the flexible covering portion from the arm element and toner cartridge.